"He has a record of success both inside and outside the Adelaide Football Club as a leader of people and builder of businesses."

Smart, who has been deputy chairman of the Crows' board since 2009, will step down from the board.

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"I look forward to continuing to do all that I can to contribute to the success of our great club," Smart said.

"The Crows and its people - players, staff and supporters - have been at the centre of my life for the greater part of it.

"I'm excited and grateful for the opportunity to return here as a leader of a terrific group of people, many of whom I have grown up with and admire tremendously."

Smart played 278 games for Adelaide and was a key member of the 1997 and 1998 premiership sides.

The former vice-captain's business roles have included national sales and marketing manager of the Jobs Statewide Group, national business development manager of Disability Works Australia, network development manager South Australia/Northern Territory for the Toyota Motor Corporation and sales and sponsorship manager SA/NT for Lion Nathan Australia.